The trail provides a direct route to Machin Lake via the Middle Fork of Saguache Creek. The upper section before the lake is boggy. Eroded steep sections require care for horse travel. Attractions are fishing in the lake and creeks, a waterfall midway, diverse wildlife, and excellent scenery.

Directions from Saguache, Colorado: Travel northwest on Colorado Highway 114 for 22.0 miles. Follow Forest Road # 750 west/northwest 18.7 miles over Cochetopa Pass. Take Forest Road # 787 south 16.4 miles back over the Continental Divide to Stonecellar Campground. Follow the jeep road west 6 miles from Stonecellar Campground along the Middle Fork to a corral. The trail leaves down the hill toward the creek and to the west. The trail is closed to motorized traffic.

Directions: Via Machin Basin Trail #784.

Directions: Via Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail #888.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
May through September .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Machin Basin Trail - The trail has had no major maintenance recently and is poorly marked. Major attractions are fishing at Machin Lake, excellent scenery, diverse wildlife and rugged terrain.

Marshall Park Campground - This site is located near Colorado Hwy. 149 and is the closest forest campground to Creede. There is very little screening or trees, so heavy vehicle traffic along Colorado Hwy. 149 is visible.

Middle Fork Cut-Off Trail - The trail offers an alternative or circuit route to Machin Lake from the Middle Fork trail. It is steep and poorly marked; it has been staked for future reconstruction.

Palisade Campground - Some sites are open, while other sites are screened with cottonwoods/aspen/spruce/fir. Campground is located adjacent to Colorado Highway 149 for easy access to travelers passing through.